Afternoon Tea @ 1885, Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang

In my opinion, one of the best imports from colonial British era is the Afternoon Tea concept.

First, a little bit of history lesson; Afternoon Tea first started in the mid-1800s as a tradition for the British upper class back when it was popular to have a late dinner. Back then, it was a customary for the upper class to invite some friends over for tea and cakes in the afternoon.

What better way to saviour my Afternoon Tea at a colonial style hotel established in 1885 at Penang. More post on my stay at Eastern & Oriental Hotel later as I want to share my exquisite Afternoon Tea’s experience.

Named for the year that the Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) was established, 1885 located at Heritage Wing offers a classic colonial-style dining experience for the guests.

Pushed open the door, we were greeted graciously by the waitstaff and were ushered to our table after checking the reservation record. (Advanced reservation is recommended should you have plan on visiting this place on weekends)

The place exudes an elegant colonial charm at a glance and a sense of tranquility echoed throughout the restaurant. Thick carpeted floor, beautiful chandeliers, elegantly paneled walls, heavy draperies framing tall windows that looked out to the lawn and the Straits of Melaka, soft music at the background and completed with pristine white table linen and comfortable cushioned chairs.

Priced at RM67.95nett per person, the Afternoon Tea is served from 2pm to 5pm daily at the 1885 restaurant. The set comprises of refillable pot of tea of your choice, finger sandwiches, scones and sweet pastries.

The tea list is extensive with selection such as classic brews of English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling Jungapana, Mint & Fresh or if you prefer tea with fruity flavour, there are Raspberry Royal, Morgentau and Soft Peach. Otherwise, try more novel ones like Irish Whiskey Cream, Tarry Lapsang or Assam Mokalbarie.

Plain and raisin scones served with clotted cream, strawberry jam and pineapple jam.

No English Afternoon Tea would be complete without scones. The scones were light and fluffy, perfect with a good dollop of cream and smear of jam. My one minor gripe was the pineapple jam was a bit too sweet for my liking.

Served on a silver two tier tray, the savoury treats we had were finger sandwiches with filling of Smoked Salmon Tartare with Pickled Cucumber and Lemon Aioli on Beetroot Loaf, Crab Meat Slaw with Radish on Herb Crust Pullman, Corn Fed Chicken Ragout Gougere, Truffle Scented Egg on Poppy Seed Crusted Butter Bun, Marinated Tuna Flakes Charcoal Bread. There were also Organic Spinach Quiche and Curry Puff with Potato and Green Peas Masala.